Is there a 'stupid persons' guide to using an M1 MBA with an external 4K monitor?

[danb1979]

😂

I've never used an external monitor with a Mac before in a dual screen set up; so looking for simple, laymans terms advice re this

I've bought: https://www.amazon.co.uk/LG-24UD58-...+UHD+24UD58&qid=1626276777&s=computers&sr=1-3

It lands with me tomorrow; I've already got a decent HDMI cable (I have a USB C hub which has the HDMI connection); but I've ordered a USB C to DP cable too that lands tomorrow also

- So; any preference/advice on which to use (FYI I don't game; I use my MBA for my business (so emails, MS Word & Excel docs, Adobe PDFs, Safari & Chrome); and I use my Mac for iTunes and sometimes watching YouTube videos/series and movies etc...

- Is there a specific 'scale' I should use; or is it simply plug n play

- What's the best way to set up the monitor (ie. I'll be using it for my emails & reviewing candidate profiles and CVs etc), so how do I have them on the LG monitor and the rest on my MBA per se?

Thanks for your patience

 

[JahBoolean]

Hello Dan,

I congratulate you on your purchase and welcome you in the world of increased productivity .

My setup is comprised from the same monitor, connected to my laptop with a DP/Usb-C cable (twas cheaper).

Overall Setup Layout:
This is a matter of personal convenience and disposable income.

I had experimented with my laptop on an ad-hoc stand in order to match the overall height of the monitor, but i found discomfort with the screen size difference. This will also bar you from using the laptop's trackpad and keyboard forcing you to use external controllers.

My quick hack was to layout both devices on the same vertical plane and use my laptop as a kind of lauchpad for the main applications on the 4k screen. Allowing you to keep the laptop flat on the table and therefore use it's input devices.

Keep in mind that you should try and position your hardware far enough from you that you are able to see both screens by only moving your eyes.

Regarding Scaling:
As with most things apple, the default scaling will serve you well. Keep in mind that if you perceive any discomfort, try and experiment with another scale in order to avoid eye strain.

Applications layout:
This is highly personal, but regarding window management I do dislike the macOs window splitting, I have been using https://apps.apple.com/us/app/magnet/id441258766?mt=12 (magnet). A simple app that allows for intuitive snapping and offers the fourfold split of your main screen that is a must to make full use of a 4k screen.

PS: I try and keep my email and internal messaging on the laptop with all the main tasks on the 4k screen.

Have fun !

 

[danb1979]

Hello Dan,

I congratulate you on your purchase and welcome you in the world of increased productivity .

My setup is comprised from the same monitor, connected to my laptop with a DP/Usb-C cable (twas cheaper).

Overall Setup Layout:
This is a matter of personal convenience and disposable income.

I had experimented with my laptop on an ad-hoc stand in order to match the overall height of the monitor, but i found discomfort with the screen size difference. This will also bar you from using the laptop's trackpad and keyboard forcing you to use external controllers.

My quick hack was to layout both devices on the same vertical plane and use my laptop as a kind of lauchpad for the main applications on the 4k screen. Allowing you to keep the laptop flat on the table and therefore use it's input devices.

Keep in mind that you should try and position your hardware far enough from you that you are able to see both screens by only moving your eyes.

Regarding Scaling:
As with most things apple, the default scaling will serve you well. Keep in mind that if you perceive any discomfort, try and experiment with another scale in order to avoid eye strain.

Applications layout:
This is highly personal, but regarding window management I do dislike the macOs window splitting, I have been using https://apps.apple.com/us/app/magnet/id441258766?mt=12 (magnet). A simple app that allows for intuitive snapping and offers the fourfold split of your main screen that is a must to make full use of a 4k screen.

PS: I try and keep my email and internal messaging on the laptop with all the main tasks on the 4k screen.

Have fun !

Super; thanks for that reply

This is my layout:



As you can see I've got my MBA on a riser stand and I also use the Apple Magic keyboard & trackpad; so rarely touch the MBA itself at all

I'll give that Magnet app a look over; thanks for the suggestion

 

[211]

I use Retangle https://rectangleapp.com and it's free. I have found it very useful

 

[danb1979]

Just to update; monitor has arrived and very pleased with it:



Bought a USB C to DP cable and the screen was very dim! Swapped it to the HDMi cable and the picture is massively better... From what I've read on the Apple.com threads; it's a known issue!

 

[synicalx1]

Nice setup! Having that extra screen real estate vastly improves the experience (especially with a 4K panel)

Just out of curiosity, do I spy a USB hub there? And if it is, how are you finding it with your Mac? I've tried a couple of far that I want to use to connect some peripherals and power a small LED light and so far none seem to stay reliably connected

 

[danb1979]

Nice setup! Having that extra screen real estate vastly improves the experience (especially with a 4K panel)

Just out of curiosity, do I spy a USB hub there? And if it is, how are you finding it with your Mac? I've tried a couple of far that I want to use to connect some peripherals and power a small LED light and so far none seem to stay reliably connected

Absolutely fine; zero issues with it

It's connected to the USB C hub and in turn the USB 3.0 hub is powered; so it never drops out.

TBH I've only got my Scarlett Solo and printer connected to it; so it's not exactly being tasked

It's this USB C hub that I use; which seems to be no longer available on Amazon UK 🤨

But it does the job well thankfully

 

[mk313]

Hey Dan, nice setup. I have something similar in my house. Obviously it's just user preference, but the changes I've made from how you have it set up are 1. swapping the monitors so that the bigger monitor is the one that is directly in front of me. I find that I use this one more, and it's more natural to be looking directly ahead more of the item, and 2. putting the monitors closer together so that there is almost no gap. I just find that this helps when I'm going back & forth looking at them.

Enjoy the new screen real estate!

 

[danb1979]

Hey Dan, nice setup. I have something similar in my house. Obviously it's just user preference, but the changes I've made from how you have it set up are 1. swapping the monitors so that the bigger monitor is the one that is directly in front of me. I find that I use this one more, and it's more natural to be looking directly ahead more of the item, and 2. putting the monitors closer together so that there is almost no gap. I just find that this helps when I'm going back & forth looking at them.

Enjoy the new screen real estate!

Thanks

For me the way I've got them set up works best; I have neck issues (my own doing) and being too close to a large screen is not good... So having it at the distance it's at and at the angle it's at, works best so far

 

[jdb8167]

Just to update; monitor has arrived and very pleased with it:



Bought a USB C to DP cable and the screen was very dim! Swapped it to the HDMi cable and the picture is massively better... From what I've read on the Apple.com threads; it's a known issue!

I have the same display. It is pretty basic but inexpensive. With Monterey, if you are a gamer you'll be able to use FreeSync for improved graphics (less lag and jitter.)

One thing though is that the stand for that display is garbage. I replaced with an inexpensive VESA mount.

 

[danb1979]

I have the same display. It is pretty basic but inexpensive. With Monterey, if you are a gamer you'll be able to use FreeSync for improved graphics (less lag and jitter.)

One thing though is that the stand for that display is garbage. I replaced with an inexpensive VESA mount.

Thanks

I don't game so that isn't an issue and re the stand; it does it's job perfectly for my needs